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Cape Town - Two first half goals by Khama Billiat and Themba Zwane plus one second half strike by Hlompho Kekana saw Mamelodi Sundowns taking the full three points, beating Free State Stars 3-1 in the Absa Premiership on Saturday night at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The Brazilians are now three points behind log leaders Bidvest Wits and on the other hand, Ea Lla Koto are now placed 13th with 11 points after Andrea Fileccia netted a consolation goal for them.
The hosts started on a low note but after three minutes of action, Billiat gave the hosts an early lead when he headed home Keagan Dolly’s supply as early as the fourth minute.
However, the match had to be delayed as the goal scorer collided with the goalkeeper, Daouda Diakite and he later recovered although Billiat was stretchered off and replaced by Mogakolodi Ngele.
Ea Lla Koto nearly found an equaliser when Fileccia broke free towards the 18-yard area but his rushed effort went wide off Dennis Onyango’s goals.
Just after 30 minutes of action, Leonardo Castro found himself free in the box after receiving a good pass from Bongani Zungu and his shot went above Diakite’s posts.
Four minutes later, Zwane made it two when he connected with a pass from Tebogo Langerman on the left. Pitso Mosimane’s men continued to control the proceedings and Dolly came close to scoring.
It was 2-0 at the interval and the resumption of the second stanza and the visitors pulled one back through Fileccia as he beat the offside trap in the 48th minute, he slotted home beating the oncoming Onyango.
Then Fileccia forced a great save from Onyango in the 72nd minute from close range but six minutes later, Kekana showed his experience against the run of play when he made a solo run through to the box and unleashed a great low shot to beat the keeper making it 3-1.
With less than 10 minutes to wrap the encounter, Castro found himself in a great position but his attempt crashed off the woodwork.
